Human knowledge is the parent of doubt.

Unbecoming forwardness oftener proceeds from ignorance than impudence.

Good-humor will sometimes conquer ill-humor, but ill-humor will conquer it oftener; and for this plain reason, good-humor must operate on generosity, ill-humor on meanness.

Good-humor is allied to generosity, ill-humor to meanness.

True delicacy, as true generosity, is more wounded by an offence from itself--if I may be allowed the expression--than to itself.

It is not enough that you can form nay, and follow, the most excellent rules for conducting yourself in the world. You must also know when to deviate from them, and where lies the exception.

Man is the only creature endowed with the power of laughter.